Data sheet
Dimensions & weights
- Wet weight
- 244 kg
- Seat height
- 850 / 870 mm
- Suspension travel
- 190 / 200 mm
- Payload capacity
- 216 kg
Engine & drivetrain
- Engine
- 1170 cc · Boxer twin
- Cooling
- Liquid cooled
- Output
- 125 hp · 125 Nm
- Transmission
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Fuelling
- Electronic fuel injection
Fuel & range
- Fuel capacity
- 20 L
- Real world range
- 332 km
Electronics & rider aids
- Ride modes
- Rain/Road/Dynamic/Enduro
- Cruise control
- Yes
- Traction control
- Yes · defeatable
- ABS
- Yes · fully defeatable
- Heated grips
- No
- Heated seat
- No
Service intervals
- Service interval
- 10,000 km
- Valve check
- 20,000 km
Protection
- Bash plate
- None
- Radiator guard
- No
- Oil cooler guard
- No
- Hand guards
- No
Consumables & service specs
Every value carries its source.
Tyres
- Front
- 120/70 R19BMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
- Rear
- 170/60 R17BMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Tyre pressures
- Front — solo
- 2.5 barTyre cold; BMW does not publish a separate solo pressure — this is the single stated front pressureBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
- Rear — solo
- 2.9 barTyre cold; BMW does not publish a separate solo pressure — this is the single stated rear pressureBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Engine oil
- Viscosity
- SAE 5W-40API SL / JASO MA2; BMW recommends BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Ultimate oil; molybdenum-based additives not permitted (coated engine components)BMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
- Capacity
- 4.0 lMax, with filter change; MIN-to-MAX top-up difference approx. 0.95 lBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Coolant
- Type
- BMW Motorrad-approved antifreeze with corrosion inhibitorUse compatible coolant; do not mix incompatible coolant chemistries.R1200GS LC service coolant data
- Capacity
- 1.5 lComplete cooling circuit; expansion tank capacity 0.25 L.R1200GS LC service coolant data
Brakes
- Fluid type
- DOT 4Front and rearBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Final drive
- Shaft oil grade
- Shaft drive with bevel gears (cardan), single-sided BMW EVO Paralever swingarm, gear ratio 2.91 (32/11 teeth)BMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
- Shaft oil capacity
- 180 ml180 ml for oil change on 2010+ wethead-era final drives (fill via dedicated fill hole, not speed sensor hole); community-sourced corroborationADVrider final drive capacity thread
Spark plugs
- Type
- NGK LMAR8D-JBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
- Gap
- 0.8 mm0.8±0.1 mm when new; 1.0 mm wear limitBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
- Quantity
- 2One per cylinder, boxer twinBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Battery
- Type
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), 12V 12Ah maintenance-freeBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Fuel
- Minimum octane
- 91 RON / 87 AKI (regular unleaded, power/consumption restricted); 95 RON / 89 AKI recommended (premium unleaded)BMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
- Ethanol tolerance
- Max. 10% ethanol (E10)E85/Flex Fuel not permittedBMW OM R1200GS 2017 · official
Tyre Library
Tyres for this bike and year
Start with this motorcycle’s front and rear sizes. Open a tyre to check the complete fit for this exact bike and year; a size or original-equipment report alone does not confirm it.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Michelin Anakee Adventure
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Michelin Anakee III
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Michelin Anakee Road
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Michelin Anakee Wild
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Pirelli Angel GT II
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventure A41
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Bridgestone Battlax Adventure Trail AT41
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
manufacturer fact: Bridgestone lists this exact AT41 front and rear pair for the R 1200 GS generation.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventurecross Scrambler AX41S
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Continental ContiRoadAttack 4
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Continental ContiTrailAttack 3
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Mitas Enduro Trail-ADV 2
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Metzeler Karoo 4
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Metzeler Karoo Street
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Michelin Road 6
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Metzeler Roadtec 02
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Michelin Scorcher Adventure
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Pirelli Scorpion Rally
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Pirelli Scorpion Trail III
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Avon Spirit ST
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Mitas Terra Force-R
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Continental TKC 70
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Metzeler Tourance Next 2
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Angel GT
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Angel ST
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventurecross AX41
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX BT-45
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX BT46
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX Sport Touring T32
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX Sport Touring T33
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLE WING BW501 / BW502
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLECRUISE H50
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Avon Cobra Chrome
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Commander II
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Commander III Cruiser
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Commander III Touring
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiClassicAttack
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiEscape
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiLegend
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiMotion
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiRoad
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiTour
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Cruisetec
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Diablo Powercruiser
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone EXEDRA G853 / G852
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone EXEDRA MAX
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
IRC GP-21F / GP-22R
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Dunlop K750
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Lasertec
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli MT 21 Rallycross
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli MT 60 RS
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Night Dragon
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental RB 2 / K 112
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road 5
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road 6 GT
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road Classic
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road W GT
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Roadtec 01
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Scorcher 11
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Scorcher 31
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental TKC 70 Rocks
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental TKC 80
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Tourance
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone Trail Wing TW101 / TW42
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: a named tyre match.
Does not fit this bike
Mitas Enduro Trail-XT+
The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Does not fit this bike
Mitas Enduro Trail+
The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Does not fit this bike
Heidenau K60 Scout
The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
Does not fit this bike
Continental TKC 80²
The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, tube or tubeless setup, a named tyre match.
What breaks first and where.
Cam chain tensioner spring wear / leak (left side)
ModerateCommonDocumented tensioner spring wear (shortened ~10mm after ~90,000km) causing intermittent oil leaks and cold-start rattle from the left side of the engine. Chain tension is still maintained hydraulically by oil pressure even as the spring weakens, so this is a lower-severity variant of the tensioner issue distinct from the catastrophic failure case reported on some early 2014 engines.
Symptoms
- Oil leak from left-side engine casing
- Rattle/clack for ~2 seconds on cold start, especially with old oil
Typical failure point90,000 km
Field repairableYes — Tighten tensioner with a 15mm ring spanner; replace washer gasket (BMW P/N 07 11 9 963 342) each time the component is removed; full tensioner/spring replacement available (spring not sold separately).
DME / K-CAN bus intermittent electrical faults
ModerateOccasionalOwners of wethead R1200GS/GSA models have reported intermittent electrical faults traced to the K-CAN bus and DME (engine control) wiring — including fuel pump/CAN-bus communication problems and general 'electrical gremlins' that are difficult to diagnose without a GS-911 or equivalent diagnostic tool. These are inconsistently reproducible and often linked to connector corrosion or chafed wiring rather than a single root cause.
Symptoms
- Intermittent warning lights / fault codes
- Fuel pump or instrument cluster communication errors
- Hard-to-reproduce electrical faults
Field repairableNo — Diagnosis requires a GS-911 (or equivalent BMW-specific diagnostic tool) to read K-CAN fault codes; not generally field-repairable without one.
Front fork tube seal-plug separation (NHTSA recall 17V-438)
CatastrophicOccasionalOn R1200GS motorcycles built between October 2013/May 2013 and June 2017, momentary extreme stress (e.g. hitting a pothole, an off-road impact, or a fall) can create a gap at the press-fitted seal plug connecting the front fork stanchion to the steering/triple clamp. This can progress to an oil leak, rattling noise, or full separation of the plug, compromising steering stability.
Symptoms
- Rattling noise from front fork
- Oil leak at the fork tube seal plug
- Unstable/imprecise steering feel
Field repairableNo
Where to find things
Common locations for jacks, filters, fluids and fuse boxes. Follow the reference link when a picture helps more than words.
Engine oil fill
Engine-oil filler and level-check point on the engine; use the referenced owner-manual level procedure and keep contamination out of the opening.
ReferenceCoolant reservoir
Coolant expansion reservoir shown in the referenced owner-manual general-view and maintenance diagrams; open or top up only when the system is cold.
ReferenceBrake fluid reservoir
Front reservoir at the handlebar master cylinder and rear reservoir beside the rear master cylinder; use the manual's motorcycle attitude for level checks.
ReferenceOBD-II port
Diagnostic socket, accessed by removing the battery cover (behind battery cover area)
Reference